Press Release Richard Milstein Elected Chair of Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors

Richard Milstein Elected Chair
of Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors

Miami, FL – March 17, 2022 – The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) announces the election of Richard Milstein as Chair of the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust (AACT) Board of Directors. The new slate of officers also includes Hillit Meidar-Alfi, Chair-Elect; Pierre Apollon, Treasurer; Lucille Zanghi, Assistant Treasurer; Gerald Grant, Secretary; and Jorge Plasencia, Assistant Secretary. In addition, Judy Weiser joins the ranks of Emeritus Directors of the Board following 28 years of committed service.

“Richard Milstein has been a trusted and committed board member who has demonstrated time and time again his devotion to the Center’s staff and his passion for the Center’s work in the community,” said outgoing Board Chair Aileen Ugalde. “Complemented by the other elected officers who all are distinguished professionals and leaders, Richard will lead the board into a new, post-Covid era for the Arsht Center.”

“The Arsht Center is a beloved and vital part of the fabric of Miami. I am truly honored to have been chosen to lead the Center’s Board together with the newly elected officers, all of whom are incredibly accomplished professionals and leaders,” said Milstein. “The Board is prepared to support the magnificent Arsht Center team on its continued mission to connect people from every corner of our community through inspiring artistic experiences.”

Richard C. Milstein has been an active member of the Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors since 2008. He is a partner at Akerman LLP, where he concentrates his practice on complex, and not so complex, and high-conflict trust,  probate, estate and guardianship litigation and administration; and family law matters. Milstein has served on the board of the Miami-Dade Bar, including terms as president and as chair of the Probate Committee. A renowned champion for equal justice and pro bono legal services, he is the 2019 recipient of The Florida Bar Foundation’s Medal of Honor among many other community recognitions. Outside of the practice of law, Richard is a former chair of the Miami Foundation and of Inter Professional Council, founding president of Bet Shira Congregation and a member of the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council. He also previously served on the board of SAVE, South Florida's longest-serving LGBTQ rights and advocacy organization.

Hillit Meidar-Alfi, Ph. D. has been an active member of the Arsht Center Trust Board of Directors since 2014. She is a trained architect and impact-driven entrepreneur. She has been a thought leader throughout her business career, with experience working in housing, urban design, and the healthcare industry. In 2019, Hillit combined her passions for applied data science and innovation to create Spatially Health, a technology company focused on pioneering new methods in advanced analytics, location intelligence, and data management for solutions in healthcare markets. Hillit has served on the board responsible for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Women’s Impact Initiative Grants since 2014. She is also a member of Springboard Enterprises, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth and entrepreneurial spirit of women-led, women-powered companies across the globe. Hillit holds master’s and doctorate degrees in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

Pierre Apollon is a licensed civil engineer, entrepreneur and corporate real estate executive with over 25 years of experience leading real estate development projects, alternative asset management and start-up ventures within the public and private sectors.

Lucille Zanghi is a retired stockbroker and financial planner. She graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern University’s College of Liberal Arts with a degree in history.

Gerald Grant, Jr., is president of the G Financial Group and has over 25 years of experience as a financial planner. He is the author of the book Bold Moves to Creating Financial Wealth and co-author of The Power of Generational Wealth, written along with his son. Gerald is involved with several organizations in the South Florida area. He currently serves on the Foundation Board of Directors for Florida International University and the Orange Bowl Committee in addition to many other community engagements.

Jorge Plasencia is co-founder, chairman and CEO of Republica Havas, a Miami-based advertising, communications and media company. His previous executive roles include work at Univision, Estefan Enterprises and the Miami Marlins. He currently serves on the boards of PBS and the Friends of the American Latino Museum. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Florida Council of 100, he is also co-founder and chairman emeritus of Amigos for Kids and a former board chair of UnidosUS.